What Size Roll Pin For S&W Front Sight

[AzShooter]

I'm trying to replace my front sight on my 617 and when taking out the roll pin it disappeared into the never never land of the garage floor.

It seem that all sources are out of the correct pin so I'm goin to try to find one another way. Anyone know what size the roll pin is? I know enough to use a #54 drill to cut the hole in my new fiber optic front sight but how do I keep it in place.

Will a 1/16 inch roll pin work? Should I drill the hole out to 1/16?

Any help appreciated.

I call all the local gunsmiths and no one has the pin even if I want them to do the replacement.

 

[Muley Gil]

I'm trying to replace my front sight on my 617 and when taking out the roll pin it disappeared into the never never land of the garage floor.

It seem that all sources are out of the correct pin so I'm goin to try to find one another way. Anyone know what size the roll pin is? I know enough to use a #54 drill to cut the hole in my new fiber optic front sight but how do I keep it in place.

Will a 1/16 inch roll pin work? Should I drill the hole out to 1/16?

Any help appreciated.

I call all the local gunsmiths and no one has the pin even if I want them to do the replacement.

You could drill the hole with the #54 drill bit and then use the shaft of the next size larger bit to secure the sight.

 

[Troystat]

Give S&W a call they should send you one.

 

[steelslaver]

You also need to get a large powerful magnet

 

[AzShooter]

Give S&W a call they should send you one.

I called Smith. They are totally out and have no idea when they may get them.

 

[Kp321]

You could drill the hole with the #54 drill bit and then use the shaft of the next size larger bit to secure the sight.

This is the best idea. Roll pins are a cheap expedience for manufacture and have no place on a top end revolver, IMO.

 

[dogdoc]

Brownells has roll pin stock. I think I purchased a kit years ago

 

[lihpster]

You also need to get a large powerful magnet

And a little one that telescopes to get into small places.

 

[AzShooter]

Brownells has roll pin stock. I think I purchased a kit years ago

Thanks. Even my gunsmith wasn't able to get any. I ordered what I needed and will call him today to tell him where to got.... to find them.

 

[marinevet]

When I loose a small part and can't find it, this is what I do, it's worth a try.
Use a small powerful flashlight, and lay it on the floor, roll it around in different directions, a small part will throw a big shadow.

 

[chief38]

A descent Hardware Store should have Roll Pins. You could also sacrifice a Drill Bit shank. They make excellent retaining pins. Cut with a Dremel, round edges and install. Number Drills give you the best selection or you could do what I do and buy Drill Rod in a set of sizes. I always have the right size and have made a plethora of pins for all sorts of stuff.

 

[AzShooter]

Thanks Chief. I've been lucky the past few days and have found the pin I need. Odd, the same vendors were out just last week.

Now I have enough to give to my gunsmith buddy as well.

 

[chief38]

I have been known to replace Roll Pins with Drill Rod on occasion, especially when the roll pins are used for grips. Roll Pins can be sharp and under recoil enlarge the holes in wood and or Ivory grips. I have also had a few roll pins crack over the years. Solid pins never crack and they are also easier to remove.

Drill Rod assortments can be purchased from McMaster - Carr or most any Machine Shop Supply Co. I use Drill Rod quite a bit for non gun repairs also. Saves me a lot of Drill Bits - lol.

 

[AzShooter]

Well, I finally finished installing the LPA Rear Sight and new Fiber Optic Front Sight. Once I found the pins ( ON AMAZON ) the job was very easy. I went through a few punches getting the OEM out of the gun but putting in the Front was easier than I thought.

It took a little work with a file to get it to go in, then I press fitted it and drilled the hole. I did use the roll pin instead of a size #55 drill bit.

 

[LarryMNH]

Good to hear you finished your project.
I am planning on doing a front sight change also. Do you have the Amazon link for the pins. Or the nomenclature should suffice.

Larry

 

[AzShooter]

Good to hear you finished your project.
I am planning on doing a front sight change also. Do you have the Amazon link for the pins. Or the nomenclature should suffice.

Larry

I did a search for Roll Pins for Smith & Wesson Front Sight. They came in a pack of 25. If you need a couple just send me your address and I'll be happy to send you some.